Q: How to monetize Small Claims judgement against landlord who violates multiple landlord tenant laws?
In addition to swindling all my deposit, my ex-landlord violated at least 5 of my rights, yet I can't sue him for these because I can't prove any monetary loss in Small Claims Court, according to the Court Clerk. So what's the point of these laws? I AM suing for deposit theft as I have photos that prove my case, but feel I should be able to get a penalty against him for these 5 violations too: • Advanced notice must be given for any change to the rental agreement
• Any change to the rental agreement must be in writing
• Landlords cannot retaliate against a tenant who has requested an official inspection
• Tenants have the right to know the name and address of the owner
• Landlords must give reasonable notice before entering the unit or property, (generally considered 24 hours)
Thank you for thoughtful response.
A one sentence answer isn't helpful so pls. dont bother.
A:
You can only win what you lost unless there’s a reason for punishing the other side. If the other side is wrong in fact but not morally, you can only get compensation. Think about a car accident. It would be unfair not to compensate someone for wrecking their car. It would also be unfair to punish you for an accident. So all you can get is what you lost.
The only one of those claims likely to lead to a punitive damage award retaliation. That’s a bad act. It’s not just negligence or mistake for which the law only allows compensation for actual injuries. It’s morally wrong and deserves redress.
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